DFNV vs. CRTC

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DFNV (TrimTabs Donoghue Forlines Risk Managed Innovation ETF) and CRTC (Xtrackers US National Critical Technologies ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - DFNV tracks the TrimTabs Donoghue Forlines Risk Managed Free Cash Flow Innovation Index while CRTC tracks the Solactive Whitney U.S. Critical Technologies Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, DFNV returned -0.49% vs 16.75% for CRTC. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFNV charges 0.69%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for CRTC.

Performance

DFNV vs. CRTC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in TrimTabs Donoghue Forlines Risk Managed Innovation ETF (DFNV) and Xtrackers US National Critical Technologies ETF (CRTC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFNV achieves a -4.71% return, which is significantly lower than CRTC's 4.11% return.

DFNV

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: -4.47%
• YTD: -4.71%
• 6M: -6.49%
• 1Y: -0.49%
• 3Y*: 15.74%
• 5Y*: 7.20%
• 10Y*: —

CRTC

• 1D: -0.96%
• 1M: -1.92%
• YTD: 4.11%
• 6M: 3.35%
• 1Y: 16.75%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

DFNV vs. CRTC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
DFNV TrimTabs Donoghue Forlines Risk Managed Innovation ETF	-4.71%	8.42%	31.93%	7.75%
CRTC Xtrackers US National Critical Technologies ETF	4.11%	18.69%	18.05%	7.16%

Correlation

The correlation between DFNV and CRTC is 0.76, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 16, 2023	0.84

The correlation between DFNV and CRTC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.76 to 0.84 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFNV vs. CRTC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFNV	CRTC
Technology	60.9%	39.5%
Healthcare	16.2%	12.7%
Communication Services	12.0%	15.0%
Consumer Cyclical	9.0%	5.4%
Industrials	1.9%	12.6%
Basic Materials	-	3.1%
Consumer Defensive	-	0.0%
Energy	-	6.0%
Financial Services	-	0.2%
Real Estate	-	0.1%
Utilities	-	5.3%

Return for Risk

DFNV vs. CRTC — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

DFNV

DFNV Risk / Return Rank: 8
DFNV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
DFNV Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
DFNV Omega Ratio Rank: 8
DFNV Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
DFNV Martin Ratio Rank: 8

CRTC

CRTC Risk / Return Rank: 38
CRTC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
CRTC Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
CRTC Omega Ratio Rank: 35
CRTC Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
CRTC Martin Ratio Rank: 43

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

DFNV vs. CRTC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for TrimTabs Donoghue Forlines Risk Managed Innovation ETF (DFNV) and Xtrackers US National Critical Technologies ETF (CRTC). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	DFNV	CRTC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.03	1.24	-1.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.09	1.70	-1.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.01	1.22	-0.21
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.02	1.86	-1.88
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.05	6.48	-6.53

DFNV vs. CRTC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFNV Sharpe Ratio is -0.03, which is lower than the CRTC Sharpe Ratio of 1.24. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFNV and CRTC, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

DFNV vs. CRTC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFNV drawdown since its inception was -29.71%, which is greater than CRTC's maximum drawdown of -19.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFNV and CRTC.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFNV	CRTC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-29.71%	-19.07%	-10.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-21.54%	-9.05%	-12.49%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.72%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.71%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-11.09%	-5.35%	-5.74%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.46%	-2.17%	-7.29%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	9.12%	2.59%	+6.53%

Volatility

DFNV vs. CRTC - Volatility Comparison

TrimTabs Donoghue Forlines Risk Managed Innovation ETF (DFNV) has a higher volatility of 7.72% compared to Xtrackers US National Critical Technologies ETF (CRTC) at 5.76%. This indicates that DFNV's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than CRTC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFNV	CRTC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.72%	5.76%	+1.96%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.32%	10.64%	+4.68%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.09%	13.55%	+4.54%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.74%	15.88%	+3.86%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.73%	15.88%	+3.85%

DFNV vs. CRTC - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFNV has a 0.69% expense ratio, which is higher than CRTC's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFNV vs. CRTC - Dividend Comparison

DFNV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.40%, less than CRTC's 0.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
CRTC Xtrackers US National Critical Technologies ETF	0.91%	1.03%	1.13%	0.16%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DFNV TrimTabs Donoghue Forlines Risk Managed Innovation ETF	0.40%	0.38%	1.28%	0.77%	1.20%	4.77%	0.02%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFNV and CRTC in my portfolio?

DFNV and CRTC have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFNV or CRTC?

DFNV has higher volatility (7.72%) compared to CRTC (5.76%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFNV dropped -29.71% vs CRTC's -19.07%.

Which ETF is better, DFNV or CRTC?

On 1-year performance, CRTC leads with 16.75% vs -0.49% for DFNV. On fees, CRTC is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, CRTC has been the lower-risk option at 5.76%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFNV or CRTC?

Over the 1-year period, CRTC has performed better with a 16.75% return vs -0.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFNV or CRTC?

CRTC is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for DFNV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFNV or CRTC?

CRTC has the higher dividend yield at 0.91%, compared with 0.40% for DFNV.

What is the main difference between DFNV and CRTC?

DFNV tracks TrimTabs Donoghue Forlines Risk Managed Free Cash Flow Innovation Index, while CRTC tracks Solactive Whitney U.S. Critical Technologies Index. They also come from different issuers: TrimTabs and Xtrackers. Their fees differ too: 0.69% for DFNV and 0.35% for CRTC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CRTC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.24 vs -0.03), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.